Abstract

Tribalism is coined from ‘tribes’, an alternative word for ethnic or linguistic groups or in some countries ‘nation’ or ‘nationality’. Tribes supply a lot of Nigeria’s diversity providing traditional costumes, dress, music, dancing, indigenous language, arts, folklore, religion, all of which can constitute an asset to a people. It is naturally regarded as a small group, a human social organization defined by ‘traditions of common descent’ having temporary or permanent political integration above the family level with a shared language, culture or ideology. Encyclopedia Britannica asserts that tribe members ‘share a tribe name in a contiguous territory, and engage in joint endeavours such as trade, agriculture, house construction, warfare, economic and business activities and warfare. They often stay in small cluster-communities which can grow into large communities and even a nation. This paper attempts to critically examine the multiple play-outs of Nigeria’s many tribes and nationalities during and after colonialism, the intricate connection between tribalism and politics, leadership and the evolution of the Nigerian polity, the grievous harm as well as advantages of tribalism to Nigeria’s evolution. The tribe is always a major factor in the country and in its people. It ends with specific prognosis and a few recommendations.

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